I think I've mentioned to a few folks that I was fortunate to be able to see Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer in Staten Island over the weekend. This event was sponsored by the Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare. There were over 600 people there!
Firstly, let me say that Cesar does a great job keeping people focused and tuned in. He is constantly stopping and getting your attention with statements like "You see it?" or "Are you with me?"
It took me a while to comment on this seminar, mostly because of all the info that was chucked at me in three hours. A lot of what he had to say, I had heard already or already practiced. Much of his info is very similar to what I learned in my years training with the Volhard Motivational Method.
However, this I did take away from it:
In order for our dogs to be happy, we need to be sure that they are fullfilled as dogs.
What we think of as fullfillment is not necessarily what dogs think of as fullfillment (I had this bit, but I wanted to include it to cover the next bit)
Dogs should be viewed as critters in this order:
Animal, Species, Breed, Name
and that their needs should be satisfied in the same order:
Animal: needs to work for food and water
Species-Dog: Migration and freedom (walking)
Breed: Basically defined as how they mate and play. After you've walked your dog (takes care of Animal and Species IF your dog sees you as a pack leader), you fulfill the Breed. Labs and Goldens retrieve; Herding dogs herd (or chase frisbees). Bullmastiffs are a working guard dog so we go play in the backyard.
Name: This is for the Human (everytime he said "human" all I could think of were ferengi!) The Name is nothing more than what we call our Dog and it means nothing to them. That we give our dogs their personality becuase of the name we associate with them. He also suggests that if we call our dogs name when they are fighting (ex: Sugar! Stop it! ) that the name has the association of the fight... interesting thought.
I have my own opinion on what a name means to a dog, especially since, while communicating with them, more than one has requested a different name. Here is my theory on this.
Names have energy. We, as Humans (there go those ferengi again) have an association with names. For example, ChaDich's name means "He who carries my sword" in Klingon. When ChaDich was a puppy, he didn't want to be called ChaDich. It was too grown up. It is my belief that it wasn't the word, but the energy that we put behind it that was not desired. We called ChaDich "Charlie" until he felt he could handle the energy of the word ChaDich.
Overall, I was very please with the seminar. I few logistical things could have been handled better. The room wasn't ready, the treadmill was not working, and the questions at the end should have been prescreened. Instead they put a microphone at the end of the runway and people were encourage to get in line to ask questions. Hello.... 600 people! All of which, I'm sure, had the same questions, but they were different becuase they were about THEIR dogs.
My one real complaint/concern is that Cesar doesn't mention that modifying how you perceive your dog will correct many behavior issues but not the medical ones. It is my opinion that all behavior issues should be addressed by a vet first! Oh, and if your dog has medical issues, please check with your vet before you walk them for an hour.
What I found really entertaining was that according to Cesar, dogs and children run this county because we do not give them rules, boundaries and limitations. The dog in front is the pack leader. So, everydog in the White House has owned Air Force One, the White House and the Government.
To buy Cesar's DVD please visit his website.
I’ve seen Cesar’s show and I find it absolutely fascinating. Americans really do tend to overly personify their dogs as humans so watching Cesar was the first time that I realized dogs want to be treated as dogs! Who knew?
What you are saying about energy is so true as well- the same thing applies to children. My sister is a kindergarden teacher that works with the kids no one else wants. She believes and has an energy that they can do exceedingly well and each time they surpass all expectations, shocking her school’s administration. The energy you provide can truely make a world of difference.
Very interesting blog you have here- thanks for commenting on mine.
Interesting! But what if a dog “wants” to be a human? and another thought that just popped….Can to have to close of a bond with your dog? Lots to think about
That is his point.. he believes that dogs don’t want to be humans.. they are dogs.. any more than I want to be a dog.
As far as too close a relationship, I would think that as long as it’s a healthy relationship (like any other) there is not such thing as too close. But then we have to define “healthy” for you and your dog.
Interesting. I think I would enjoy his seminar.
“In order for our dogs to be happy, we need to be sure that they are fullfilled as dogs.”
I really like that quote. Because dogs are dogs, they are not Hoomans (as the Ferengi would pronounce it. LOL.) And sometimes I don’t know if my dogs are being fulfilled as they would like. And I hope they are. š
However.. I was going to say I’m glad I don’t have to work for my food, but then again, I do have to, as I go to work every day. However, I sure wish it was just replicated for me for free. š
You know I love animals. They communicate better than most humans. Indy (short for Independence) our dog lets us know when she’s hungry (brings us her bowl if it’s past her dinner time). She gives a little ‘woof’ at the door when she needs to go out. She mopes when she wants more attention š Same with our cats. Animals are so much smarter than most people give them credit for.
I totally agree. I swear that ChaDich could tell time. I’d say “we’ll go for a walk in 10 minutes” and in 10 minutes he’d be back.. or 8 minutes or 15 minutes.. it didn’t matter what time I’d say.. he was back!
Thank you for coming to see me!! Mom says MY name should be energy paws! Cute blog, interesting post.
How very true about the time thing! Guinness and Duke know what time I get up every moring for work! If I am more than 5 mins late getting up they let me know. Sure make’s sleeping in hard š